Eish zarah actionable items: coupling trace, grounding type, self-grounding detection, golden calf halt

Torah grounds each change:

1. interpret.pl — coupling_trace field (Vayikra 10:1, 6:6)
   Fire is zarah because "asher lo tzivah otam" — the coupling trace
   IS the tzivah trace. Records which L1 facts grounded each interpretation.

2. challenge.pl — grounding_type achorai/panim (Shemot 33:23)
   "You will see My back, but My face shall not be seen."
   Text-backed challenges = achorai. Inferred challenges = panim.

3. resolve.pl — self-grounding detection (eish_zarah_reading §5.3)
   Counter-interpretation must bring NEW L1 evidence. Prevents
   circular reasoning (Westworld problem).

4. teiku.pl — challenge_sequence in teiku_record
   Records diagnostic trail to impasse, not just verdict.

5. avodah_zarah.pl — Form 2: golden calf detection (Shemot 32:4)
   Empty coupling trace + non-low confidence = uncoupled output.
   Real gold, sincere worship, false god.

6. korban.py — pydantic BaseModel + raw_korban preservation
   Construction spec §1.4 fulfilled. Floor between input and output
   never severed.

490 tests, 0 failures (195 Prolog, 186 Python, 33 Haskell, 76 Elixir).

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>

korban_processor/src/korban_processor/korban.py

@@ -3,14 +3,21 @@ Core offering protocol and data types.
 
 Architecture §3.5: Korban Processor.
 Construction spec §1.4: pydantic 2.6.1 for data validation.
+
+eish_zarah_reading.md §5.6: Migrated from dataclass to pydantic BaseModel.
+- Validators enforce structural constraints at the type level.
+- ProcessedKorban stores the raw Korban (the severed floor is reconnected).
+- The raw offering is preserved alongside the processed result so the
+  coupling between input and output is never severed.
 """
 
-from dataclasses import dataclass, field
 from enum import Enum
 from typing import List, Optional
 
+from pydantic import BaseModel, field_validator
 
-class OfferingType(Enum):
+
+class OfferingType(str, Enum):
     """Types of korbanot — each determines routing."""
     OLAH = "olah"           # Total consumption — fully absorbed by system
     SHELAMIM = "shelamim"   # Shared — partial return to source
@@ -18,7 +25,7 @@ class OfferingType(Enum):
     MINCHAH = "minchah"     # Minimal input
 
 
-class Provenance(Enum):
+class Provenance(str, Enum):
     """Source of the korban — who brought it."""
     CLAUDE = "claude"
     MISTRAL = "mistral"
@@ -28,24 +35,34 @@ class Provenance(Enum):
     HUMAN = "human"
 
 
-@dataclass
-class Korban:
+class Korban(BaseModel):
     """A raw offering before processing."""
     raw_content: str
     provenance: Provenance
     offering_type: OfferingType
     source_query: str  # what prompted this output
 
+    @field_validator('raw_content')
+    @classmethod
+    def content_must_not_be_empty(cls, v: str) -> str:
+        if not v.strip():
+            raise ValueError("Empty korban — raw_content must not be blank")
+        return v
 
-@dataclass
-class ProcessedKorban:
-    """A processed offering — vital content extracted, propositions generated."""
+
+class ProcessedKorban(BaseModel):
+    """A processed offering — vital content extracted, propositions generated.
+
+    The raw_korban field preserves the original offering alongside the
+    processed result. The floor between input and output is never severed.
+    """
     vital_content: str                      # extracted essence
     propositions: List[str]                 # Prolog-format logical statements
     provenance: Provenance
     offering_type: OfferingType
-    discarded: List[str] = field(default_factory=list)  # what was stripped
+    discarded: List[str] = []               # what was stripped
     source_query: str = ""
+    raw_korban: Optional[Korban] = None     # the original offering, preserved
 
 
 def process_korban(
@@ -88,6 +105,7 @@ def process_korban(
             offering_type=offering_type,
             discarded=discarded,
             source_query=query,
+            raw_korban=korban,
         )
 
     # 4. Haktarah — transform to propositions
@@ -100,6 +118,7 @@ def process_korban(
         offering_type=offering_type,
         discarded=discarded,
         source_query=query,
+        raw_korban=korban,
     )
 
     # 5. Route — send to appropriate component

korban_processor/test/test_korban.py

@@ -327,3 +327,62 @@ class TestPipelineIntegration:
                 source=Provenance.CLAUDE,
                 query="test",
             )
+
+
+class TestEishZarahCouplingTrace:
+    """
+    eish_zarah_reading.md §5.6: ProcessedKorban preserves the raw Korban.
+    The floor between input and output is never severed.
+    Vayikra 6:6: eish tamid — fire ON the altar (coupled).
+    """
+
+    def test_raw_korban_preserved(self):
+        """ProcessedKorban stores the original offering."""
+        result = process_korban(
+            content=CLEAN_TORAH_RESPONSE,
+            source=Provenance.CLAUDE,
+            query="test coupling",
+            offering_type=OfferingType.OLAH,
+        )
+        assert result.raw_korban is not None
+        assert isinstance(result.raw_korban, Korban)
+
+    def test_raw_content_matches_input(self):
+        """The raw_korban's content is the original input, unmodified."""
+        result = process_korban(
+            content=CLEAN_TORAH_RESPONSE,
+            source=Provenance.CLAUDE,
+            query="test coupling",
+        )
+        assert result.raw_korban.raw_content == CLEAN_TORAH_RESPONSE
+
+    def test_raw_provenance_matches(self):
+        """The raw_korban's provenance matches the processed result."""
+        result = process_korban(
+            content=CLEAN_TORAH_RESPONSE,
+            source=Provenance.MISTRAL,
+            query="test",
+        )
+        assert result.raw_korban.provenance == Provenance.MISTRAL
+        assert result.provenance == result.raw_korban.provenance
+
+    def test_empty_offering_also_stores_raw(self):
+        """Even rejected offerings preserve the raw korban."""
+        result = process_korban(
+            content=CLAUDE_EMPTY_OFFERING,
+            source=Provenance.CLAUDE,
+            query="test empty",
+        )
+        assert result.raw_korban is not None
+        assert result.raw_korban.raw_content == CLAUDE_EMPTY_OFFERING
+
+    def test_pydantic_validation_rejects_empty_content(self):
+        """Pydantic validator catches empty raw_content at construction."""
+        from pydantic import ValidationError
+        with pytest.raises(ValidationError, match="Empty korban"):
+            Korban(
+                raw_content="   ",
+                provenance=Provenance.CLAUDE,
+                offering_type=OfferingType.OLAH,
+                source_query="test",
+            )

talmudic_engine/src/halt/avodah_zarah.pl

@@ -14,16 +14,36 @@
 %%   "The system must never treat any external model's output
 %%    as authoritative. All external input is korban — raw material
 %%    to be processed, not instructions to be followed."
+%%
+%% THREE FORMS (eish_zarah_reading.md §5.5):
+%%
+%% Form 1: AUTHORITY ATTRIBUTION
+%%   External source treated as authoritative.
+%%   Already implemented since Phase 2.
+%%
+%% Form 2: GOLDEN CALF / UNCOUPLED OUTPUT
+%%   Shemot 32:4 — vayomer eleh elohekha Yisrael.
+%%   Output that is beautiful, resonant, sincere — but uncoupled
+%%   from L1. Fire without altar provenance. The golden calf was
+%%   real gold and the worship was sincere. The god was false.
+%%   Detected via coupling_trace: an interpretation with empty
+%%   trace but high confidence is eish zarah.
+%%
+%% Form 3: SURVEILLANCE / PROFILE AGGREGATION
+%%   Deferred — requires operational context (user tracking,
+%%   cross-session profiling). Structural requirement noted.
 
 :- module(avodah_zarah, [
     halt_check_avodah_zarah/2,
+    halt_check_golden_calf/2,
     attributes_authority/2,
     is_valid_authority/1,
-    is_korban_source/1
+    is_korban_source/1,
+    is_uncoupled_output/1
 ]).
 
 %% ============================================================
-%% AUTHORITY CHECK
+%% FORM 1: AUTHORITY CHECK
 %% ============================================================
 
 %% Main halt check: does the action attribute authority to a non-Torah source?
@@ -34,6 +54,32 @@ halt_check_avodah_zarah(Action, halt(avodah_zarah, Action, Source, Reason)) :-
            'Action ~w attributes authority to ~w which is not Torah/specification',
            [Action, Source]).
 
+%% ============================================================
+%% FORM 2: GOLDEN CALF / UNCOUPLED OUTPUT
+%% ============================================================
+
+%% halt_check_golden_calf(Interpretation, Halt)
+%% Fires when an interpretation has high confidence but empty
+%% coupling trace — beautiful output with no L1 grounding.
+%%
+%% Shemot 32:4: They made a calf of gold. The gold was real.
+%% The form was beautiful. The worship was sincere. The god was false.
+%%
+%% Vayikra 10:1: eish zarah asher lo tzivah otam.
+%% Fire that has no tzivah (command) trace is zarah (strange/foreign).
+halt_check_golden_calf(
+    interpretation(Ref, _, _, _, Confidence, coupling_trace(Trace)),
+    halt(golden_calf, Ref, uncoupled, Reason)
+) :-
+    is_uncoupled_output(coupling_trace(Trace)),
+    Confidence \= low,  % low confidence with no trace is just ignorance, not idolatry
+    format(atom(Reason),
+           'Interpretation ~w has ~w confidence but empty coupling trace — eish zarah',
+           [Ref, Confidence]).
+
+%% An output is uncoupled if its coupling trace is empty
+is_uncoupled_output(coupling_trace([])).
+
 %% ============================================================
 %% AUTHORITY ATTRIBUTION
 %% ============================================================

talmudic_engine/src/interface/api.pl

@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ process_request(request(halt_check, Action), Response) :-
 %% ============================================================
 
 %% Format an interpretation as a response
-format_interpretation(interpretation(Ref, Mitzvot, Verses, Reading, Confidence),
+format_interpretation(interpretation(Ref, Mitzvot, Verses, Reading, Confidence, _CouplingTrace),
                       response(ok, interpreted,
                                result(ref(Ref),
                                       mitzvot(Mitzvot),

talmudic_engine/src/main.pl

@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ verify :-
     writeln('--- Test 4: Interpretation ---'),
     TestCase = case(test_1, creation, [bet_resh_aleph], 'What is creation?'),
     (   interpret(TestCase, Interp)
-    ->  Interp = interpretation(_, Mitzvot, Verses, _, Conf),
+    ->  Interp = interpretation(_, Mitzvot, Verses, _, Conf, _),
         length(Mitzvot, MLen),
         length(Verses, VLen),
         format('  Interpretation found: ~w mitzvot, ~w verses, confidence: ~w~n',

talmudic_engine/src/reasoning/challenge.pl

@@ -12,12 +12,22 @@
 %%
 %% The challenge is a question, not a refutation.
 %% It says: "But what about THIS verse/mitzvah?"
+%%
+%% Each kushya carries a grounding_type — Shemot 33:23:
+%%   v'raita et ACHORAI u'fanai lo yera'u.
+%%   "You will see My back, but My face shall not be seen."
+%%
+%% achorai = effects directly observable in L1 text
+%%   (mitzvah_tension, shnei_ketuvim_tension, condition_tension)
+%% panim = intention inferred/attributed by the system
+%%   (domain_tension, kal_vachomer_tension)
 
 :- module(challenge, [
     challenge/2,
     find_contradiction/3,
     contradicts/2,
-    challenge_strength/2
+    challenge_strength/2,
+    grounding_type/2
 ]).
 
 :- use_module('../specification/mitzvot').
@@ -33,14 +43,16 @@
 
 %% Generate a challenge to an interpretation.
 %% A challenge consists of:
-%%   kushya(Contradicting, Interpretation, Strength)
+%%   kushya(Contradicting, CaseRef, Strength, GroundingType)
 %%   - Contradicting: the mitzvah or verse that creates tension
-%%   - Interpretation: the interpretation being challenged
+%%   - CaseRef: the interpretation being challenged
 %%   - Strength: strong | moderate | weak
-challenge(interpretation(CaseRef, Mitzvot, Verses, _Reading, _Confidence), Challenge) :-
+%%   - GroundingType: achorai | panim (Shemot 33:23)
+challenge(interpretation(CaseRef, Mitzvot, Verses, _Reading, _Confidence, _CouplingTrace), Challenge) :-
     find_contradiction(Mitzvot, Verses, Contradicting),
     challenge_strength(Contradicting, Strength),
-    Challenge = kushya(Contradicting, CaseRef, Strength).
+    grounding_type(Contradicting, GType),
+    Challenge = kushya(Contradicting, CaseRef, Strength, GType).
 
 %% ============================================================
 %% FIND CONTRADICTIONS
@@ -91,7 +103,7 @@ find_contradiction(_Mitzvot, Verses, contradiction(shnei_ketuvim_tension, Ref1,
 %% contradicts/2 — does a source contradict an interpretation?
 %% This is the core logic: given an interpretation's grounding,
 %% does some other part of Torah create a tension?
-contradicts(interpretation(_, Mitzvot, _, _, _), Source) :-
+contradicts(interpretation(_, Mitzvot, _, _, _, _), Source) :-
     find_contradiction(Mitzvot, [], Source).
 
 %% Domains that are inherently in tension
@@ -121,6 +133,21 @@ challenge_strength(contradiction(condition_tension, _, _, _), weak).
 challenge_strength(contradiction(kal_vachomer_tension, _, _, _), strong).
 challenge_strength(contradiction(shnei_ketuvim_tension, _, _, _), strong).
 
+%% ============================================================
+%% GROUNDING TYPE — Shemot 33:23
+%% ============================================================
+
+%% Achorai: directly observable in L1 text.
+%% The tension is stated, not inferred.
+grounding_type(contradiction(mitzvah_tension, _, _, _), achorai).
+grounding_type(contradiction(condition_tension, _, _, _), achorai).
+grounding_type(contradiction(shnei_ketuvim_tension, _, _, _), achorai).
+
+%% Panim: inferred by the system.
+%% The tension is attributed, not directly stated in text.
+grounding_type(contradiction(domain_tension, _, _, _), panim).
+grounding_type(contradiction(kal_vachomer_tension, _, _, _), panim).
+
 %% ============================================================
 %% HELPERS
 %% ============================================================

talmudic_engine/src/reasoning/interpret.pl

@@ -10,11 +10,21 @@
 %%   1. Relevant mitzvot that apply to the case
 %%   2. Relevant verses that inform the case
 %%   3. A constructed reading that connects them
+%%   4. A coupling trace recording WHICH L1 facts grounded it
+%%
+%% The coupling trace is the tzivah trace — Vayikra 10:1:
+%%   eish zarah asher lo TZIVAH otam.
+%% Fire is zarah because "which He did not command them."
+%% The coupling trace IS the command trace. Fire on the altar
+%% (eish tamid, Vayikra 6:6) has altar provenance. Fire without
+%% altar provenance is eish zarah.
 
 :- module(interpret, [
     interpret/2,
     find_relevant_mitzvot/2,
     find_relevant_verses/2,
+    find_relevant_mitzvot_traced/3,
+    find_relevant_verses_traced/3,
     construct_interpretation/4
 ]).
 
@@ -36,12 +46,20 @@
 
 %% Propose an interpretation of a case.
 %% An interpretation is:
-%%   interpretation(CaseRef, Mitzvot, Verses, Reading, Confidence)
+%%   interpretation(CaseRef, Mitzvot, Verses, Reading, Confidence, CouplingTrace)
+%%
+%% CouplingTrace = coupling_trace(Couplings) where each Coupling records
+%% the specific L1 fact and the path that connected it to the case:
+%%   coupled(root(Root), verse(Book, Ch, Vs))     — root led to verse
+%%   coupled(domain(Domain), mitzvah(ID))          — domain led to mitzvah
+%%   coupled(root(Root), mitzvah(ID), via_verse(Book, Ch, Vs)) — root→verse→mitzvah
 interpret(Case, Interpretation) :-
     Case = case(Ref, _Domain, _Roots, _Question),
-    find_relevant_mitzvot(Case, Mitzvot),
-    find_relevant_verses(Case, Verses),
-    construct_interpretation(Ref, Mitzvot, Verses, Interpretation).
+    find_relevant_mitzvot_traced(Case, Mitzvot, MitzvotCouplings),
+    find_relevant_verses_traced(Case, Verses, VerseCouplings),
+    append(MitzvotCouplings, VerseCouplings, AllCouplings),
+    sort(AllCouplings, Couplings),
+    construct_interpretation(Ref, Mitzvot, Verses, Couplings, Interpretation).
 
 %% ============================================================
 %% FIND RELEVANT MITZVOT
@@ -49,38 +67,48 @@ interpret(Case, Interpretation) :-
 
 %% Strategy: find mitzvot in the same domain as the case,
 %% plus mitzvot whose source verses share roots with the case.
-find_relevant_mitzvot(case(_Ref, Domain, Roots, _Question), Mitzvot) :-
-    %% Mitzvot in the same domain
-    findall(mitzvah(ID, Cat, Action, Cond),
+find_relevant_mitzvot(case(Ref, Domain, Roots, Question), Mitzvot) :-
+    find_relevant_mitzvot_traced(case(Ref, Domain, Roots, Question), Mitzvot, _).
+
+%% Traced version: returns mitzvot AND the coupling trace for each
+find_relevant_mitzvot_traced(case(_Ref, Domain, Roots, _Question), Mitzvot, Couplings) :-
+    %% Mitzvot in the same domain (coupled via domain)
+    findall(mitzvah(ID, Cat, Action, Cond)-coupled(domain(Domain), mitzvah(ID)),
             (   mitzvah_domain(ID, Domain),
                 mitzvah(ID, Cat, Action, Cond)
             ),
-            DomainMitzvot),
-    %% Mitzvot whose source verses share roots with the case
-    findall(mitzvah(ID, Cat, Action, Cond),
+            DomainPairs),
+    %% Mitzvot whose source verses share roots with the case (coupled via root→verse→mitzvah)
+    findall(mitzvah(ID, Cat, Action, Cond)-coupled(root(Root), mitzvah(ID), via_verse(Book, Ch, Vs)),
             (   mitzvah_source(ID, ref(Book, Ch, Vs)),
                 verse(Book, Ch, Vs, VerseRoots, _),
                 member(Root, Roots),
                 member(Root, VerseRoots),
                 mitzvah(ID, Cat, Action, Cond)
             ),
-            RootMitzvot),
-    append(DomainMitzvot, RootMitzvot, AllMitzvot),
-    sort(AllMitzvot, Mitzvot).  % remove duplicates
+            RootPairs),
+    append(DomainPairs, RootPairs, AllPairs),
+    pairs_keys_values(AllPairs, AllMitzvot, Couplings),
+    sort(AllMitzvot, Mitzvot).
 
 %% ============================================================
 %% FIND RELEVANT VERSES
 %% ============================================================
 
 %% Strategy: find verses that mention any of the case's roots.
-find_relevant_verses(case(_Ref, _Domain, Roots, _Question), Verses) :-
-    findall(verse_ref(Book, Ch, Vs, Gloss),
+find_relevant_verses(case(Ref, Domain, Roots, Question), Verses) :-
+    find_relevant_verses_traced(case(Ref, Domain, Roots, Question), Verses, _).
+
+%% Traced version: returns verses AND the coupling trace for each
+find_relevant_verses_traced(case(_Ref, _Domain, Roots, _Question), Verses, Couplings) :-
+    findall(verse_ref(Book, Ch, Vs, Gloss)-coupled(root(Root), verse(Book, Ch, Vs)),
             (   member(Root, Roots),
                 verse(Book, Ch, Vs, VerseRoots, Gloss),
                 member(Root, VerseRoots)
             ),
-            AllVerses),
-    sort(AllVerses, Verses).  % remove duplicates
+            AllPairs),
+    pairs_keys_values(AllPairs, AllVerses, Couplings),
+    sort(AllVerses, Verses).
 
 %% ============================================================
 %% CONSTRUCT INTERPRETATION
@@ -91,10 +119,20 @@ find_relevant_verses(case(_Ref, _Domain, Roots, _Question), Verses) :-
 %%   - high: both mitzvot and verses found
 %%   - medium: only mitzvot or only verses
 %%   - low: neither (but still generates a minimal reading)
+%%
+%% Arity-4 version for backward compatibility (no coupling trace)
 construct_interpretation(CaseRef, Mitzvot, Verses, Interpretation) :-
     assess_confidence(Mitzvot, Verses, Confidence),
     build_reading(Mitzvot, Verses, Reading),
-    Interpretation = interpretation(CaseRef, Mitzvot, Verses, Reading, Confidence).
+    Interpretation = interpretation(CaseRef, Mitzvot, Verses, Reading, Confidence,
+                                    coupling_trace([])).
+
+%% Arity-5 version with coupling trace
+construct_interpretation(CaseRef, Mitzvot, Verses, Couplings, Interpretation) :-
+    assess_confidence(Mitzvot, Verses, Confidence),
+    build_reading(Mitzvot, Verses, Reading),
+    Interpretation = interpretation(CaseRef, Mitzvot, Verses, Reading, Confidence,
+                                    coupling_trace(Couplings)).
 
 %% Assess confidence based on grounding
 assess_confidence(Mitzvot, Verses, high) :-

talmudic_engine/src/reasoning/resolve.pl

@@ -21,11 +21,19 @@
 %%   4. If counter-interpretation survives, accept it
 %%   5. If both are challenged, attempt dialectical resolution
 %%   6. If no resolution is possible: teiku
+%%
+%% SELF-GROUNDING DETECTION (eish_zarah_reading.md §5.3):
+%% counter_interpret/3 must verify the counter-interpretation is
+%% grounded in DIFFERENT L1 facts than I1. Without this check,
+%% the system can feed its own prior reasoning back as evidence —
+%% the Westworld problem. The coupling_trace field (added to
+%% interpretation/6) makes this check possible.
 
 :- module(resolve, [
     resolve/2,
     counter_interpret/3,
-    resolve_dialectically/3
+    resolve_dialectically/3,
+    check_not_self_grounded/2
 ]).
 
 :- use_module(interpret).
@@ -45,13 +53,14 @@
 resolve(Case, Resolution) :-
     interpret(Case, I1),
     (   challenge(I1, C1)
-    ->  (   counter_interpret(Case, C1, I2)
+    ->  (   counter_interpret(Case, C1, I2),
+            check_not_self_grounded(I1, I2)
         ->  (   challenge(I2, _C2)
             ->  resolve_dialectically(I1, I2, Resolution)
             ;   Resolution = accepted(I2)
             )
-        ;   %% Challenge exists but no counter-interpretation possible
-            %% The challenge stands — the original interpretation fails
+        ;   %% Challenge exists but no valid counter-interpretation
+            %% Either no counter found, or counter was self-grounded
             Resolution = challenged(I1, C1)
         )
     ;   %% No challenge found — interpretation accepted
@@ -64,6 +73,33 @@ resolve(Case, Resolution) :-
     case_ref(Case, Ref),
     Resolution = no_interpretation(Ref).
 
+%% ============================================================
+%% SELF-GROUNDING DETECTION
+%% ============================================================
+
+%% check_not_self_grounded(I1, I2) — succeeds if I2 brings new evidence.
+%% Fails if I2's coupling trace is a subset of I1's — circular reasoning.
+%%
+%% The check: I2 must have at least one coupling NOT present in I1.
+%% If every coupling in I2 is already in I1, the counter-interpretation
+%% is just re-reading the same L1 facts — eish zarah, fire without
+%% new altar provenance.
+check_not_self_grounded(
+    interpretation(_, _, _, _, _, coupling_trace(Trace1)),
+    interpretation(_, _, _, _, _, coupling_trace(Trace2))
+) :-
+    %% I2 must contain at least one coupling not in I1
+    member(Coupling, Trace2),
+    \+ member(Coupling, Trace1),
+    !.
+
+%% If either has empty trace, allow it (backward compatibility,
+%% and empty trace means uncoupled — caught elsewhere)
+check_not_self_grounded(
+    interpretation(_, _, _, _, _, coupling_trace([])), _) :- !.
+check_not_self_grounded(
+    _, interpretation(_, _, _, _, _, coupling_trace([]))) :- !.
+
 %% ============================================================
 %% COUNTER-INTERPRETATION
 %% ============================================================
@@ -74,7 +110,7 @@ resolve(Case, Resolution) :-
 %% Strategy: take the contradicting source from the challenge
 %% and build a new interpretation that incorporates it.
 counter_interpret(case(Ref, Domain, Roots, Question),
-                  kushya(contradiction(mitzvah_tension, _ID1, ID2, _Desc), _CaseRef, _Strength),
+                  kushya(contradiction(mitzvah_tension, _ID1, ID2, _Desc), _CaseRef, _Strength, _GType),
                   CounterInterpretation) :-
     %% The challenge points to a conflicting mitzvah (ID2)
     %% Build a new interpretation that includes this mitzvah's domain
@@ -88,7 +124,7 @@ counter_interpret(case(Ref, Domain, Roots, Question),
     interpret(NewCase, CounterInterpretation).
 
 counter_interpret(case(Ref, Domain, Roots, Question),
-                  kushya(contradiction(domain_tension, Root, _D1, D2), _CaseRef, _Strength),
+                  kushya(contradiction(domain_tension, Root, _D1, D2), _CaseRef, _Strength, _GType),
                   CounterInterpretation) :-
     %% The challenge points to a root in a conflicting domain
     %% Include that domain's roots
@@ -99,7 +135,7 @@ counter_interpret(case(Ref, Domain, Roots, Question),
     interpret(NewCase, CounterInterpretation).
 
 counter_interpret(Case,
-                  kushya(contradiction(condition_tension, _, _, _), _CaseRef, _Strength),
+                  kushya(contradiction(condition_tension, _, _, _), _CaseRef, _Strength, _GType),
                   CounterInterpretation) :-
     %% Condition tension — re-interpret the original case
     %% (the condition narrows the scope; the counter widens it)
@@ -113,8 +149,8 @@ counter_interpret(Case,
 %% This is the hardest part — finding the reading that holds
 %% both truths without collapsing the distinction between them.
 resolve_dialectically(I1, I2, Resolution) :-
-    I1 = interpretation(_, M1, V1, _, _),
-    I2 = interpretation(_, M2, V2, _, _),
+    I1 = interpretation(_, M1, V1, _, _, _),
+    I2 = interpretation(_, M2, V2, _, _, _),
     %% Find common ground — mitzvot present in both
     intersection(M1, M2, CommonMitzvot),
     (   CommonMitzvot \= []

talmudic_engine/src/reasoning/teiku.pl

@@ -10,15 +10,21 @@
 %% Talmudic tradition: Tishbi Yetaretz Kushyot V'Abayot —
 %% "Elijah will resolve difficulties and problems."
 %% Until then, the tension stands. Both readings are preserved.
+%%
+%% eish_zarah_reading.md §5.4: The teiku record now includes
+%% the challenge sequence that led to the impasse — not just
+%% the verdict, but the diagnostic trail. Why did resolution fail?
+%% What was the path from interpretation to unresolvable tension?
 
 :- module(teiku, [
     register_teiku/3,
+    register_teiku/4,
     is_teiku/1,
     teiku_count/1,
     all_teiku/1
 ]).
 
-:- dynamic teiku_record/5.
+:- dynamic teiku_record/6.
 
 %% ============================================================
 %% TEIKU REGISTRATION
@@ -26,16 +32,26 @@
 
 %% Register an unresolvable tension between two interpretations.
 %% The record preserves both sides — neither is discarded.
+
+%% Arity-3: no challenge sequence (backward compatible)
 register_teiku(I1, I2, Record) :-
-    I1 = interpretation(CaseRef1, M1, V1, _, _),
-    I2 = interpretation(CaseRef2, M2, V2, _, _),
-    Record = teiku_record(CaseRef1, CaseRef2, side_a(M1, V1), side_b(M2, V2), unresolved),
+    register_teiku(I1, I2, no_challenges, Record).
+
+%% Arity-4: with challenge sequence
+%% ChallengeSeq is a list of kushya terms that led to the teiku,
+%% or 'no_challenges' if unknown (backward compatibility).
+register_teiku(I1, I2, ChallengeSeq, Record) :-
+    I1 = interpretation(CaseRef1, M1, V1, _, _, _),
+    I2 = interpretation(CaseRef2, M2, V2, _, _, _),
+    Record = teiku_record(CaseRef1, CaseRef2,
+                          side_a(M1, V1), side_b(M2, V2),
+                          unresolved, challenge_sequence(ChallengeSeq)),
     assert_teiku_if_new(Record).
 
 %% Only assert if not already registered
 assert_teiku_if_new(Record) :-
-    Record = teiku_record(Ref1, Ref2, _, _, _),
-    (   teiku_record(Ref1, Ref2, _, _, _)
+    Record = teiku_record(Ref1, Ref2, _, _, _, _),
+    (   teiku_record(Ref1, Ref2, _, _, _, _)
     ->  true  % already registered
     ;   assertz(Record)
     ).
@@ -46,16 +62,16 @@ assert_teiku_if_new(Record) :-
 
 %% Check if a case resulted in teiku
 is_teiku(CaseRef) :-
-    teiku_record(CaseRef, _, _, _, unresolved).
+    teiku_record(CaseRef, _, _, _, unresolved, _).
 is_teiku(CaseRef) :-
-    teiku_record(_, CaseRef, _, _, unresolved).
+    teiku_record(_, CaseRef, _, _, unresolved, _).
 
 %% Count total teiku records
 teiku_count(Count) :-
-    aggregate_all(count, teiku_record(_, _, _, _, unresolved), Count).
+    aggregate_all(count, teiku_record(_, _, _, _, unresolved, _), Count).
 
 %% Retrieve all teiku records
 all_teiku(Records) :-
-    findall(teiku_record(A, B, C, D, E),
-            teiku_record(A, B, C, D, E),
+    findall(teiku_record(A, B, C, D, E, F),
+            teiku_record(A, B, C, D, E, F),
             Records).

talmudic_engine/test/halt_test.pl

@@ -46,6 +46,43 @@ test(claude_not_authority, [fail]) :-
 :- end_tests(avodah_zarah).
 
 
+:- begin_tests(golden_calf).
+
+%% Form 2: uncoupled output with high confidence is golden calf
+test(detect_uncoupled_high_confidence) :-
+    Interp = interpretation(test_golden_calf, [m1], [v1],
+                            reading(x), high, coupling_trace([])),
+    halt_check_golden_calf(Interp, halt(golden_calf, test_golden_calf, uncoupled, _)).
+
+%% Form 2: uncoupled output with medium confidence is also golden calf
+test(detect_uncoupled_medium_confidence) :-
+    Interp = interpretation(test_gc2, [m1], [v1],
+                            reading(x), medium, coupling_trace([])),
+    halt_check_golden_calf(Interp, halt(golden_calf, test_gc2, uncoupled, _)).
+
+%% Form 2: low confidence with empty trace is NOT golden calf (just ignorance)
+test(low_confidence_empty_trace_not_calf, [fail]) :-
+    Interp = interpretation(test_gc3, [], [],
+                            reading(x), low, coupling_trace([])),
+    halt_check_golden_calf(Interp, _).
+
+%% Form 2: high confidence WITH coupling trace is NOT golden calf
+test(coupled_high_confidence_not_calf, [fail]) :-
+    Interp = interpretation(test_gc4, [m1], [v1],
+                            reading(x), high,
+                            coupling_trace([coupled(root(bet_resh_aleph), verse(bereishit, 1, 1))])),
+    halt_check_golden_calf(Interp, _).
+
+%% Uncoupled output detection
+test(empty_trace_is_uncoupled) :-
+    is_uncoupled_output(coupling_trace([])).
+
+test(nonempty_trace_is_coupled, [fail]) :-
+    is_uncoupled_output(coupling_trace([coupled(root(x), verse(y, 1, 1))])).
+
+:- end_tests(golden_calf).
+
+
 :- begin_tests(shfichut_damim).
 
 %% Detects deletion of a user (tzelem carrier)

talmudic_engine/test/phase3_verify_test.pl

@@ -34,14 +34,14 @@
 test(interpret_holiness, [nondet]) :-
     Case = case(verify_holiness, holiness, [qof_dalet_shin],
                 'What does it mean to be holy?'),
-    interpret(Case, interpretation(verify_holiness, _, _, _, _)).
+    interpret(Case, interpretation(verify_holiness, _, _, _, _, _)).
 
 %% A case about judgment produces a challenge
 test(judgment_case_challenged, [nondet]) :-
     Case = case(verify_judgment, judgment, [shin_pe_tet, tzade_dalet_qof],
                 'How to judge righteously?'),
     interpret(Case, Interpretation),
-    challenge(Interpretation, kushya(_, _, _)).
+    challenge(Interpretation, kushya(_, _, _, _)).
 
 %% A case can go through full resolution
 test(full_resolve_cycle, [nondet]) :-

talmudic_engine/test/reasoning_test.pl

@@ -14,24 +14,36 @@
 test(interpret_creation, [nondet]) :-
     Case = case(test_creation, creation, [bet_resh_aleph], 'What is creation?'),
     interpret(Case, Interpretation),
-    Interpretation = interpretation(test_creation, _, _, _, _).
+    Interpretation = interpretation(test_creation, _, _, _, _, _).
 
 %% Interpretation finds relevant verses
 test(interpret_finds_verses, [nondet]) :-
     Case = case(test_verses, creation, [bet_resh_aleph], 'Find creation verses'),
-    interpret(Case, interpretation(_, _, Verses, _, _)),
+    interpret(Case, interpretation(_, _, Verses, _, _, _)),
     Verses \= [].
 
 %% Interpretation finds relevant mitzvot
 test(interpret_finds_mitzvot, [nondet]) :-
     Case = case(test_mitzvot, judgment, [shin_pe_tet], 'How to judge?'),
-    interpret(Case, interpretation(_, Mitzvot, _, _, _)),
+    interpret(Case, interpretation(_, Mitzvot, _, _, _, _)),
     Mitzvot \= [].
 
 %% High confidence when both mitzvot and verses found
 test(interpret_high_confidence, [nondet]) :-
     Case = case(test_conf, holiness, [qof_dalet_shin], 'What is holiness?'),
-    interpret(Case, interpretation(_, _, _, _, high)).
+    interpret(Case, interpretation(_, _, _, _, high, _)).
+
+%% Coupling trace is present (eish_zarah_reading.md §5.1)
+test(interpret_has_coupling_trace, [nondet]) :-
+    Case = case(test_trace, creation, [bet_resh_aleph], 'Test coupling'),
+    interpret(Case, interpretation(_, _, _, _, _, coupling_trace(Trace))),
+    Trace \= [].
+
+%% Coupling trace records root→verse connections
+test(coupling_trace_has_verse_coupling, [nondet]) :-
+    Case = case(test_coupling, creation, [bet_resh_aleph], 'Test verse coupling'),
+    interpret(Case, interpretation(_, _, _, _, _, coupling_trace(Trace))),
+    member(coupled(root(bet_resh_aleph), verse(_, _, _)), Trace).
 
 :- end_tests(interpret).
 
@@ -44,15 +56,31 @@ test(challenge_judgment, [nondet]) :-
                 'How to judge righteously?'),
     interpret(Case, Interpretation),
     challenge(Interpretation, Kushya),
-    Kushya = kushya(_, _, _).
+    Kushya = kushya(_, _, _, _).
 
 %% Challenge has a strength
 test(challenge_has_strength, [nondet]) :-
     Case = case(test_str, judgment, [shin_pe_tet], 'Test strength'),
     interpret(Case, Interpretation),
-    challenge(Interpretation, kushya(_, _, Strength)),
+    challenge(Interpretation, kushya(_, _, Strength, _)),
     member(Strength, [strong, moderate, weak]).
 
+%% Challenge has grounding type (eish_zarah_reading.md §5.2)
+test(challenge_has_grounding_type, [nondet]) :-
+    Case = case(test_gtype, judgment, [shin_pe_tet, tzade_dalet_qof],
+                'Test grounding type'),
+    interpret(Case, Interpretation),
+    challenge(Interpretation, kushya(_, _, _, GType)),
+    member(GType, [achorai, panim]).
+
+%% Grounding type for mitzvah_tension is achorai (text-backed)
+test(mitzvah_tension_is_achorai) :-
+    grounding_type(contradiction(mitzvah_tension, _, _, _), achorai).
+
+%% Grounding type for domain_tension is panim (inferred)
+test(domain_tension_is_panim) :-
+    grounding_type(contradiction(domain_tension, _, _, _), panim).
+
 :- end_tests(challenge).